Letting Kids Into the Jungle

A new child care center is about to open its doors in Colville: Jungle Kids is owned and operated by Penny Pittman, who has been involved in the child and day care business for 30 years.

“My husband Dave and I moved to Colville about a year ago from Selah, Wash., when we bought Tri County Stove and Spa,” said Pittman. “Where we live right now, it’s too far out to run a home day care.”

Pittman spoke about how she will run the child care center. “I’ll utilize BrightWheel’s top-rated curriculum to provide educational structure,” said Pittman. “We will serve nutritious meals, consisting of three meals and two snacks, daily.”

According to Pittman, Jungle Kids’ focus will be on delivering high quality care, ensuring a safe environment that fosters the Early Learning Core Competencies for future growth, while supporting emotional, physical, and motor skill development. “We are currently hiring, aiming to provide care for up to 40 children and employ six full time staff members, supplemented by part time staff. Volunteer assistance is welcome,” Pittman said. ”

Pittman stated that the challenge will be finding qualified employees. “Employees will have to have a TB test, first aid/CPR certification, a health card, background check, and complete 30 hours of State Training and Registry System,” said Pittman. “Some of the aspects of training include raising a child, development, health/safety, early learning curriculum. We will pay for the training for those who do not have it, but it must be completed.

“Jungle Kids originated as Lil’ Playmates Daycare in 1993 and underwent a name change approximately 20 years ago,” said Pittman. “I decided to adopt a more playful name. Jungle Kids Early Learning Childcare incorporates cute animals. My longtime friend and employee, Tracy Hancock, was the one who coined the name. I came up with the motto and the toucan as the mascot.”

Since moving to Colville, Pittman expanded the cast of characters with the help of Wicked Designs, who also contributed to the day care center’s new design.

Pittman fell in love with the building before she even moved to Colville, but at that time, it was Kelsi’s Closet. “One day, Dave and I were driving by, and we saw that Kelsi’s Closet was moving. We called and met the owner of the building and found out that it was available for lease.” 

Pittman said she signed the contract in February, 2025. “It took six months to bring the building to code, put in walls and a kitchen, add a bathroom, and install floors,” she said. “We just had the fire inspection, and all we need is to put in quick release handles and carbon monoxide detectors. As soon as we do that, we will pass inspection and be able to open our doors.”

Pittman has designed the facility to have four classrooms. “We will have two staff members for every 10 children, and two staff members for every eight infants. It’s really hard in this rural area to find people with qualifications in child care without having to provide the training,” said Pittman. “Two women that I’ve hired are already fully qualified. 

“Our community really needs a child care center,” said Pittman. “With this venture, I’m stepping into new territory.” Pittman said that everyone is itching to start working. “I plan to be open by Aug. 1, at the latest, and I already have 21 kids enrolled.”

Pittman’s five year plan is to open up a second Jungle Kids location in Selah. She travels between both places frequently, spending time with family and her fifteen grandchildren. “I’m really excited for Jungle Kids and the community. Colville will have child care that can be counted upon.

“I want to give a huge thank you to the Bob Stevens and TEDD Program, Rural Resources, Northside, Wicked Designs, Simply Wired, and to family, friends and all staff at Tri-County and the Colville community for supporting me in my new journey,” said Pittman.

After opening on Aug. 1, Jungle Kids will operate Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Jungle Kids is located at 282 W. 1^st Avenue in Colville. For more information, call Pittman at 509-952-9001.